Successful Florida Magician of the Year contest.

Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse and Magic Dove Magic Shop celebrate another successful Florida Magician of the Year contest.

Cocoa, FL, January 15, 2019–Dr. Dan Ezell, owner of Magic Dove Magic Shop partnered with The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse to bring the Florida Magician of the Year contest to the City of Cocoa, for another successful year. This landmark event held on Sunday, January 13, 2019 attracted magicians from all over the state of Florida. Doves and Bunnies appeared and disappeared, and canes danced as the 12 finalists performed to a sold-out house. Winning contestants from three divisions were named “Florida Magician of the Year.” Adult division Jacob Jensen (Orlando), Youth division-Justin Cowgill (Rockledge) and Junior division-Megan Waryk (Cocoa Beach).

Jason Guy from WESH 2 News, who also was one of the judges, interviewed the winners on WESH 2 morning news on January 15, 2019. Jason said, “It is amazing to see this much talent from such young magicians. Each year I am blown away by this contest.”

Dr. Dan Ezell, creator of the Florida Magician of the Year contest stated, “It was a huge success again this year and we are honored that the City of Cocoa and The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse continue to partner with us. This is Florida’s premier magic event, not only for working magicians, but also aspiring young magicians.”

“Last year was a huge success and we are excited to have another successful year,” said Dr. Anastasia Hawkins-Smith, Director of the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse.

“It was an amazing feeling to know that all of my hard work paid off,” said Megan Waryk, 10-year-old Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School student and first place winner in the junior division. Kimberly Bascle, Megan’s mother, went on to say, “My daughter’s confidence soars higher and higher each year as she continues to perform magic. We are grateful that Megan found Magic Dove Magic Shop where she has been able to perform and grow as a young magician.”

Justin Cowgill, youth division winner and 16-year-old Rockledge High School student said, “I started developing my act in the summer of 2018 and practiced every week. I was determined to do my best in the contest. Justin’s mother, Michelle Bowling-Cowgill said, “I burst into tears when I heard my son’s name announced as the winner because I knew how hard he has worked on his performance.”

Jacob Jensen, adult division winner and Senior at East River High School in Orlando said, “I was very surprised to be named 2019 Florida Magician of the Year, I’m only 18 and was competing against seasoned professional magicians. I was honored to be selected as the winner.”

“Jacob has had an interest in magic since he was very young, and I feel that it has been a positive influence in his life. I could not be prouder of his accomplishments.” Says Tanya Jensen, Jacob Jensen’s mother.

Dr. Dan Ezell said, “This contest provides and awesome opportunity to showcase the many talented hardworking magicians in Florida. We hope to continue for many years to come.”

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If you would like more information about this project, please contact Dr. Dan Ezell at 321-433-1130 or email drdan@magicdove.com